It wasn't easy for Elliot to face Olivia the next day at work. Everything about her made his heart skip beats and his breath to come with more difficulty than normal. She flashed him that winning smile and he found himself smiling in return.

"Morning." She said warmly handing up a cup of coffee.

"Thanks." He replied then his voice dropped. "I broke it off with Kathy last night."

Olivia stared. "Oh Elliot I'm so sorry." She said sincerely, moving close to take his hand. "If you need anything at all, I'm here for you."

Elliot could barely breathe at the touch of her hand, but he managed to force out his words. "Well I kinda need a place to stay for a little while." He choked.

Olivia grinned. "You can stay at my place. It's small, but I'm sure we can make room." She said thoughtfully. "But are you okay?"

Elliot nodded. "yeah." He said. "We've both moved past our marriage. She's in love with someone else and we were over before either of us had the nerve to say it was over."

Olivia nodded understandingly. "Good." She said softly. "But if you need someone to talk to. I'm always here."

Elliot smiled. "I know Liv. I know." He said quietly.

Cragen poked his head out of his office. "Olivia, Elliot, I need you guys on a case in Harlem."

Olivia and Elliot both grabbed their jackets and got ready for another day of work.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Olivia surveyed the scene before her and then her partner beside her. She couldn't get over him. Time and time again she convinced herself that the butterflies in her stomach and the overwhelming feel of excitement she felt when he came near were nothing but a little crush. As time went on, however, she found it harder and harder to convince herself or Alex and Casey of that. She didn't want a relationship. She had been in too many disastrous ones. Ones that hurt and ones that cut into her. She didn't want to risk pain of a broken love followed by the loss of her best friend.

Elliot watched her. She was strong, independent. She refused to be conquered and refused to answer to anyone but herself. It was what drew him to her, but she refused to allow anyone in. He wondered if he would ever be able to win her over, but now he knew he could try.

I've been trying to break down your walls

But I don't know how to get through

Say that you want me

Say that you need me

Baby I need more from you

Olivia winced at the sight of the body before her.

"So young." She whispered softly, feeling Elliot's strong arms around her.

"I know." He said quietly, a distant look in his blue eyes.

They went to work…questioning witnesses, examining the forensic evidence, and marking out any unusual aspects of the crime.

It was just another day of work, but it was so much more for the two detectives. It was their bonding time. Every experience, every case brought them closer to together than a lifetime of normal circumstance ever could.

You gotta take my hand and lead me to where you are

You know I'll follow just show me the way to your heart

I know it's hard for you to trust again

But you just gotta believe

I would never lie to you

I would never hurt you

Baby I'm asking please

Olivia felt safe beside Elliot even after a tragic crime had taken place on the ground where she was standing. She knew she could trust him to watch her back, but she wasn't sure if she could trust him with her heart. What if he let her down like all the rest? Would she be able to live with it? She didn't think so. She sneaked a glance at him and felt the familiar butterflies. Her feelings for him were undeniable and she couldn't turn away from them, but she found it hard to contend to them as well. She rubbed her temples. Her feelings were a confusing cloud around her, hazing her usually sensible thoughts.

You gotta take my hand and lead me to where you are

You know I'll follow just show me the way to your heart

Think you've locked your heart away

Baby I hold the key

Believe me when I say

My love will set you free

Elliot made himself a promise. I will tell her how I feel the first moment I get He thought firmly to himself. He wouldn't put it off. His job made it clear to him that no matter what happened life could be over in a flash and because of the dangers of his job and Olivia's, he never wanted to wait until he had no time left to tell her, or to perhaps, spend the rest of his life with her.